26th December 2017 16:15:40 Hours
Major General AP de Z Wickramaratne RWP ndu psc assumed duties as the fifth Commander Security Force (Central) on 25 February 2016 during a brief ceremony.
In accordance with military traditions, Major General AP de Z Wickramaratne RWP ndu psc reviewed the Guard Turnout and received the salute of the Guard of Honour, presented by troops of 7 Sri Lanka Signal Corps at the SF HQ (Central) premises - Diayatalawa.
After taking over duties amidst religious observances, Major General AP de Z Wickramaratne RWP ndu psc was invited to plant a tree sapling in the premises as a token of memory of his assumption of office in the SF HQ (Central). Then he posed for a group photograph with General Officer Commandings of Headquarters 12 and 11 Divisions, Brigade Commanders, Commanding Officers of affiliated Units and all Officers and Other Ranks of the Security Force Headquarters (Central).
Subsequently, the Commander participated in an all rank address at the Other Ranks' Mess of SF HQ (Cen) and then he took part in an all rank tea.
Major General Wickramaratne, later on addressed a representative gathering of officers of SF HQ (Central) at its Conference Hall as is the practice upon assumption of duties in the Army. Setting out his scope of work and duties for the SF HQ (Central), he outlined the importance of keeping a positive attitude towards the duties discharged by all irrespective of the rank/ position and the constrains and negativity involved in a particular situation. Apart from that, he aired his displeasure in working with a directive style of leadership, instead he highlighted the importance of practicing the Mission Command with the view to achieving goals and objectives of the organization in a friendly working environment. Hence, he requested officers to change the attitude and work as a team. Apart from that he highlighted the importance of being vigilant on the incidents take place within the AOR as well as outside the AOR in order to give timely feedback to Higher Headquarters and under command formations for proper dissemination of information in the Army.
Major General Wickramaratne, during his 32-year-long illustrious military carrier had actively taken part in the Humanitarian Operations in the battlefront especially in Wanni area as the Deputy General Officer Commanding of 53 Division and as the General Officer Commanding of 61 Division. He also had served as the General Officer Commanding and Brigade Commander in number of Divs and Brigades such as 22 Division 23 Division 51 Division and 66 Division 231 Brigade and the Mechanized Infantry Brigade.
Major General AP de Z Wickramaratne has been honoured with the Gallantry Award “Ranawickrama Padakkama” for his bravery in the face of the enemy. Prior to his new appointment as the Commander SF (Central), he held the appointment of the Director General Infantry in Army Headquarters.
